FBI Halted RCMP Cooperation Over CBC’s 9/11 Memo, Report Says

FBI Director Kash Patel temporarily halted cooperation with the RCMP after the CBC issued an internal memo on how to describe the September 11 attacks, the New York Times reported on September 18. The memo instructed reporters to avoid labelling 9/11 as terrorism without attribution. Patel publicly stated on X that any Canadian agency failing to reject the memo would lose FBI support, marking a sharp escalation in US-Canada tensions.

What the CBC memo said

The CBC issued internal guidance instructing reporters not to refer to the September 11 attacks as terrorist attacks ahead of the 25th anniversary. The broadcaster cited its longstanding policy to generally avoid labelling specific acts as terrorism without attribution. CBC later clarified on August 28 that direct attribution is not required when describing 9/11 as terrorism, but the damage to US-Canada relations had already occurred.

Patel’s public response

FBI Director Kash Patel responded with anger, posting on X that any Canadian agency that does not publicly reject the memo will no longer have the FBI as a friend. According to New York Times sources, Patel sought to punish Canada by cancelling meetings between FBI officials and their Canadian counterparts. The White House made clear its displeasure with the CBC’s editorial stance.

RCMP downplays the rift

RCMP Commissioner Mike Duheme issued a statement saying the national law enforcement agency maintains strong relationships with US counterparts and values cooperation on national security and the Five Eyes intelligence partnership. The RCMP declined to comment on specific intelligence-sharing practices of other agencies, but stressed that the relationship with the FBI continues. Duheme said Canada works closely with domestic and international partners to respond to threats and maintain situational awareness.

Broader Canada-US tensions

The FBI dispute occurs as Canada pursues closer ties with Europe and France. Marc Carney and Emmanuel Macron met on September 21 on the French island of Saint-Pierre and Miquelon to discuss expanded cooperation on climate, energy, security, and democratic norms. Carney said the time has come to strengthen ties between Canada and Europe as both grow estranged from the United States. President Trump has mocked the EU proposal to make Canada an associate member and threatened the EU with tariffs should it pursue closer relations with Canada.

Final Thoughts

The FBI-RCMP dispute reflects deteriorating US-Canada relations on multiple fronts. With Patel’s public rebuke and Carney pivoting toward Europe, Canada faces pressure to choose between its traditional US security partnership and new European alliances.

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